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Archive for the ‘Joy’ Category

Supreme Blessedness

Posted in Blessings, Faith, God's Goodness, God's Promises, Joy, Uncategorized, tagged beatitudes, blessedness, living God's ways, Obedience, Spiritual Blessings on July 19, 2018| 19 Comments »

That’s what we can expect when we choose to live God’s way: supreme blessedness. Jesus made that clear in his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). You’ll remember he began with eight statements of blessing called beatitudes.

One example:

In other words, profound joy comes to those who humbly depend on God, as they avail themselves of his heavenly kingdom-benefits.

Of course, there are many other attitudes and actions he rewards, in addition to those eight Jesus named.

Below are listed several means to blessedness that have come to my attention over the years. Perhaps you’ve experienced them too:

Blessed are the risk-takers, for they shall sail on winds of faith.

“A ship in port is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for” (Grace Murray Hopper).

Think of Abraham.

“By faith Abraham…obeyed and went,

even though he did not know where he was going.”

–Hebrews 11:8

We too have to be willing to travel blind toward undisclosed destinations. Otherwise we’ll never experience the thrill of God’s power taking us to ports we’ve never dreamed of.

The way ahead is always hidden, sometimes causing uncertainty. But! We know the One who’s leading. Uncertainty does not have to cancel out confidence.

Blessed are those who seek God’s desires, for they shall know delight and fulfillment.

Somehow we think the pursuit of our own desires will bring satisfaction. But haven’t we seen enough of the rich and powerful crash and burn in despair? “Everything [is] meaningless; a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 2:11).

How much better off we are to pray along with the psalmist:

It is in the practice of obedience we learn its precious worth.

Blessed are the encouragers for they shall be encouraged.

Such an interesting phenomenon: make the effort to lift someone else’s spirit, and you find your own spirit uplifted. Actually, wise King Solomon recorded this be-attitude long ago:

Guaranteed double pleasure. How’s that for supreme blessing?

Blessed are the sifters of thoughts, for they enjoy golden contemplations.

If we’re not careful, our minds can easily gravitate toward dross thoughts–the negative, unwholesome, and ugly. It takes effort to seek out the gold: the honorable, lovely, and commendable. But true contentment awaits those who do.

Blessed are the focused for they shall not spread themselves too thin.

Our bodies were made for a rhythm of rest—7 to 8 hours out of every 24. Short-changing sleep actually lowers our productivity and endangers our health (1).

That’s why:

We just can’t do it all, much as we’d like to. Priorities and parameters must be set. That means, saying no to some good things may be the best choice. We must give others permission to do the same also.

Blessed are those who pay attention to the ordinary, for they discover the extraordinary.

For example:

Icicle sentries in winter, clinging to the seat of a deck chair

Wildflowers in springtime, cupping tiny pink and yellow stars

Sunbeams on a summer morning, filtering into the glen

God’s artistry (and penchant for color!) splashed on autumn leaves

Each eye-catching display is a precious love-gift from our Heavenly Father. And around us are countless more, waiting to be discovered, savored, and praised.

“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;

his greatness no one can fathom.”

–Psalm 145:3

And there you have six more beatitudes–examples of God’s supreme blessedness lavished upon us–when we choose to live by his wise and loving ways.

What be-attitude would you add? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

Note:

1) https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/tired-at-work#1 and https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20170209/skimp-on-sleep-and-you-just-may-wind-up-sick#1

(Art & photo credits: http://www.canva.com; http://www.wikimedia.org; http://www.canva.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.libreshot.com; Nancy Ruegg (3); http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.canva.com.)

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Sing Allelujah, Cincinnati!

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, God's Presence, Joy, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Psalm 147:1, singing praise to God, unity on May 31, 2018| 18 Comments »

(Cincinnati Music Hall)

Recently my daughter-in-love and granddaughter invited me to accompany them to “Sing Hallelujah, Cincinnati!”–an event at our city music hall.

Vocal groups and instrumentalists from the metropolitan area participated, presenting music around the theme, “Hallelujah.” The experience turned out to be much more than I expected.

First, a brass band came marching in from the back, playing a jazz rendition of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus”–New Orleans style. By the time they exited out a side door at the front, we weren’t just applauding, we were smiling.

The genial atmosphere created by Cincy Brass was further enhanced by the relaxed and friendly master of ceremonies, Mr. Dilworth. In his opening remarks, he explained the meaning of hallelujah: to express joy and to praise God. And that’s exactly what we did for the next hour or so.

First, Mr. Dilworth taught the audience a hallelujah song, one segment at a time. Then he challenged us with a descant part. The final effort combining tune and harmony turned out quite pleasing. We applauded again, for Mr. Dilworth’s talented direction and our surprisingly good performance. Now we were smiling even more broadly.

Perhaps Mr. Dilworth knows the research: “Singing corporately produces a chemical change in our bodies that contributes to a sense of bonding” (1).

For the rest of the evening, one choir and ensemble after another wowed us with a broad range of music, including classical, traditional, ethnic (Ukrainian and African), gospel, spiritual, bluegrass, and jazz.

What made the occasion distinctive, however, was the racial mix among performers and audience members. And as the evening unfolded, the music became a catalyst for unity among us—in spite of various ethnic groups and a wide variety of musical genre.

Even though all of the pieces sung and played could not possibly be everyone’s favored styles, the entire audience clapped (Some even gave a shout now and then!) in enthusiastic appreciation for all participants.

We were bonded together in a unity of gratitude.

Also among us flourished the unity of contentment. For one hour we sat companionably immersed in the mutual pleasure of music. Any rough edges of tension that might cause strain in other circumstances were smoothed over on this occasion–by the hallelujahs of praise.

Finally, there was the unity of joy—evident in the continuous smiles and occasional laughter.

And where there is joy there is the presence of God (Psalm 16:11).

It’s probable not all participants and attendees were Christians. Most of the groups who performed would be categorized as secular.

But for this one evening, whether folks knew it or not, we drew close to God through grateful, contented, and joyful praise. And as a glorious byproduct, found ourselves drawn closer to one another.

Note:

(1) Bob Kauflin (member of GLAD vocal band for thirty years), https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/words-of-wonder-what-happens-when-we-sing

Art & photo credits: http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.jba.af.mil (Jordyn Fetter); http://www.quotefancy.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.pixabay.com.

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Wrapped in God’s Embrace

Posted in God's Delight, God's Love, God's Presence, Joy, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Ephesians 3:18, God's Love, God's Presence, Psalm 147:11, Worship on May 3, 2018| 12 Comments »

Our son was telling me about the church he and his wife attended at the time.

“You should hear this mother and daughter play their violins together. The girl is only ten or eleven, but she’s good. I think the mom is teaching her.”

Several months later, I happened to be visiting when the mother and daughter were scheduled to play. My heart was filled with delicious anticipation that Sunday morning as they approached the piano with their violins.

Soon soft, mellow notes of melody and harmony resonated through the broad, high-ceilinged sanctuary. My son had not been exaggerating. They were both gifted violinists.

I had to hold back the tears.

Yes, the sweet music touched my spirit. However, my response arose from more than that.

The music was greatly enhanced by the mystical bond between mother and daughter.

One evidence of that bond was the subtle means by which the two remained in sync. The mother would nod her head or sway slightly as she directed the music.

However, the girl didn’t actually watch. Just every now and then she would make eye contact over her violin–and smile at her mother with angelic innocence, tenderness, and purity.

Her eyes seemed to say, “I love doing this with you.” Mother smiled her love and pleasure in return.

In fact, the very atmosphere seemed to be permeated with love during those moments. But the affection of parent and child was only a part.

The Spirit of God and his love flowed in wondrous waves through the music and that mother and daughter. God’s love—the width, length, height, and depth that Paul spoke of– filled every nook of that sanctuary.

Surely I was not the only one who felt wrapped in God’s warm embrace during those moments.

And to be loved by God is no small matter.

He is the Master of the universe and the King of glory. Angels sing his praises continually. And yet he delights in us, who reverence him and put our hope in his unfailing love (Psalm 147:11).

Isn’t that knowledge alone enough to astound the intellect and overwhelm the heart with joy?

The only possible response is worship, from a heart overflowing with gratitude. An overflow that often becomes tears, as praise intertwines with the invisible but palpable touch of God.

And I can almost hear him say, “I love doing this with you.”

* * * * * * * * * *

When has the overflow of love for God and gratitude to him brought you to tears? Please share your story in the Comment section below!

(Revised and reblogged from August 11, 2014. Photo credits: www.visualphotos.com, http://www.maxpixel.net; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.pixabay.com.)

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Springtime Joy

Posted in God's Power, Joy, Praise, Uncategorized, tagged Praise for God's Creation, spring on April 12, 2018| 17 Comments »

“The first day of spring is one thing,

the first spring day is another.

The difference between them is sometimes a month.”

–Henry Van Dyke

Van Dyke’s observation is surely proving true this year for those of us in the Midwest. Since the first day of spring March 20, we’ve enjoyed only a day or two of shirt-sleeve weather. Cold, unremitting rain and even snow dustings have occurred more often.

(Photo taken April 2)

But we know the warm euphoria of spring will eventually arrive; it always does.

“No winter lasts forever;

No spring ever skips its turn.”

–Hal Borland

And when warm sunshine spangles the sky once again, God’s springtime handiwork will proclaim his glory—from deep in the soil where tree roots awaken, to high on the mountains where overflowing streams roil.

We can join in creation’s celebration, singing our praise to the Maker of Spring:

O God of Defined Order,

You appointed four seasons to circle the year,

Each with its own purpose and characteristics—

Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn—

Inevitably and always in that order.

We praise you for your dependable constancy.

O God of Gracious Restoration,

You created foliage that returns to life each spring.

New grass suddenly appears, verdant and fresh,

Bush and shrub become draped in pale green lace,

And tree buds finally release their tiny leaf curls.

We praise you for your attentive sovereignty over all things.

O God of Inventive Design,

From winter’s death you ordained delicate blossoms

To emerge with varicolored vivacity–

Royal crocus, golden daffodils,

Blushing hyacinths, and flame red tulips.

We praise you for your infinite creativity.

O God of Marvelous Wonders,

You direct springtime rains to wash over the landscape

And replenish the earth.

Leaves sparkle, petals gleam,

And crystal jewels cling to slender limbs.

We praise you for your beauty-yielding renewal.

O God of Exuberant Transformation,

Songbirds, breezes, and gurgling brooks

Chorus together in euphoric strain,

Because you are the only One who can

Turn harsh winter into jubilant spring,

And we praise you for your miracle-working magnificence.

You are the Almighty God of invigoration.

And we celebrate you, the Gracious Giver of springtime joy!

_____________________________

P.S. Most of you know that Steve was diagnosed with liver cancer at the end of March. Radiation therapy beginning in early May will be the first line of defense, with a liver transplant expected in the fall.

Meanwhile, we praise God for his peace, presence, and intervention. One example of the latter: it just so happens (!) my nephew’s girlfriend is a profusionist. That’s the person who runs the heart-lung machine to keep a patient alive during transplants and certain surgeries. She sent an email full of helpful information and uplifting encouragement. Bottom line: there is every reason to expect Steve to fully recover!

Thank you VERY much for your prayers on Steve’s behalf. God IS working!

(Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.pixabay.com (2); http://www.fickr.com (2).

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A Deep Sea of Joy

Posted in Appreciation, Faith, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, Intimacy with God, Joy, Renewing the Mind, Worship, tagged Delighting in God, Enjoying God, Joy in God on June 1, 2017| 10 Comments »

Wouldn’t that be nice—a deep sea of joy—for the days when the washer breaks down in the middle of a load, a tire goes flat on the way to an important meeting, and a jar of spaghetti sauce slips out of hand, splattering bright red ooze and shards of glass over much of the kitchen.

Yup. That’s what we need: a deep sea of joy. We could jump right in and be swallowed up in delightful mirth while everything else conspires to dump us into despair.

But according to that wise preacher of long ago, Charles Spurgeon, that’s exactly what we do have:

“Our God is a deep sea of joy.

My soul will dive therein

And be swallowed up

In the delights of his companionship.” *

Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? Such sweet relief. But how do we do that? How do we delight in the companionship of an invisible God?

Actually, the relationships we enjoy with our (visible) loved ones give us many cues.

For example, just last weekend we enjoyed three days at Red River Gorge, Kentucky, with our older son and his family. You might recall Eric and Hilja (Hill-ya) have two little girls, ages four and four months. Needless to say our activities at the gorge were limited. No zip-lining, horseback riding, or long treks through the forest. Not this trip.

But we still took great pleasure in interesting conversations on the deck (especially in the evening after the girls were asleep), a short, scenic woodland hike, superb dinners prepared by Eric, reminiscings through some family history, frequent laughter**, and simply basking in the joy of being together.

God offers us similar joys as we delight in him:

Conversation—in the form of “simple, short prayers flowing out of the present moment” (Sarah Young, Jesus Calling, 55).

Common interests, such as impacting the lives of others–opportunities to participate side by side with God in his work (John 15:5).

The splendor of creation–all the more magnificent as we revel in his artistry and genius (Psalm 33:6-9).

Celebration of who our God is and what he does (Psalm 145:7, 92:4).

Humorous moments–created by God just like everything else, so that with Sarah each of us can say, “God has brought me laughter” (Genesis 21:6).

His ever-present, ever-attentive companionship–itself a source of lavish joy (Psalm 16:11).

Oh, but there are still more ways to delight in God as we…

…Trust.

Consistent contentment is possible as we affirm, “He is faithful in all he does” (Psalm 33:4).

…Thank.

Honoring God with our gratitude is uplifting to us and pleasing to him (Philippians 4:6-7; Psalm 69:30-31).

…Praise and sing.

If God delights in us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17), how much more should we delight in him with an expressive, lyrical heart?

Charles Spurgeon was right:

Our God offers a deep sea of joy–

if only we dive into his delights

frequently,

all day long.

*from Morning by Morning by Charles Spurgeon, updated by Whitaker House, 1984.

**Maybe it was only funny to us, but I have to share what four-year old Elena said after her first fishing excursion. She’d been warned to stay out of the greenery along the side of the road in case of poison ivy. Upon returning to the cabin she announced, “I stayed out of the weeds so I won’t get poisonitis.”

(Art & photo credits: http://www.maxpixel.freegreatpictures.com; http://www.azquotes.com; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.uk.pinterest.com (2); http://www.pixabay.com.)

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The Final Lesson

Posted in Jesus, Joy, Uncategorized, tagged 1 Peter 1:8-9, Good Friday, Hebrews 12:2, John 15:11, John 16:22, John 16:24, John 17:13, The Last Supper on April 13, 2017| 11 Comments »

Whether I heard it or read it, I don’t remember. But the words caught me by surprise, and I jotted them down:

“What was uppermost in Jesus’ mind as Good Friday approached? The answer is, Joy.”

Do you find that surprising too?

Yet at least three times on the eve of his crucifixion Jesus spoke about joy (John 15:11; 16:22, 24; 17:13)–a most unexpected topic and completely unnatural. Who thinks about joy when they know catastrophe is about to strike?

Jesus, that’s who.

Within the next twenty-four hours he would face excruciating pain, total abandonment by his Father, and the most horrific death ever devised.

But his concern was for his disciples, not himself. Jesus wanted them to remember the important principles of love, obedience, and joy–an empowering joy that no one could take away from them.

Perhaps you remember the scene. Jesus and his disciples had just finished their last Passover supper together. After the meal, he taught his final lesson.

The first mention of joy came near the end of his teaching about the vine and the branches:

(“I have told you this

so that my joy may be in you

and that your joy may be complete.”

–John 15:11.)

The word, this, refers to the ways Jesus had just mentioned that will contribute to joy:

1. Live close to him and produce much good in and through your life (vs.4-8).

2. Live in obedience to Jesus and experience the warmth, peace, and care of His love (vs. 9-10).

Note that Jesus wanted his joy to be in the hearts of his disciples. What characterized his joy compared to that of others?

Strong awareness of the Father’s love for him, and his own love for the Father (vs. 9-10).

Absolute surrender to his Father, and the joy of doing what his father had sent him to do. Even during his great travail in the Garden of Gethsemane, his one desire was to do his Father’s will (Luke 22:42).

Jesus’ joy coexisted with the profound sorrow of impending suffering, because he was already well-acquainted with the satisfaction and fulfillment of obedience.

The understanding that joy deferred to the future is anticipatory joy in the present. “For the joy set before him he endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2).

And finally, Jesus told his disciples that he desired complete joy for them. What does complete joy look like? It is:

Not so much an emotion as it is a conviction (Keith Krell, “Moment by Moment,” http://www.bible.org).

Inner contentment, resulting from continually cultivating an intimate relationship with Jesus.

Constant, not dependent on circumstances.

Enduring, day after day. Indestructible.

Perfect—the perfect, joy-filled fulfillment of the destiny for which God created you, even when a portion of that destiny is suffering.

I’m thinking of the martyrs–Stephen, Polycarp, Ignatius of Antioch, John Wycliffe and countless others who demonstrated complete joy even as they died in anguish.

Polycarp, disciple of the Apostle John and Bishop of Smyrna for many years, refused to revile Jesus. For that he was burned at the stake.

But before the flames rose up, Polycarp prayed:

“O Lord God Almighty, Father of thy blessed and beloved Son, Jesus Christ, through whom we have been given knowledge of thyself…I bless thee for granting me this day and hour, that I may be numbered amongst the martyrs, to share the cup of thine Anointed and to rise again unto life everlasting…”

Such devotion, courage, and supernatural strength are impossible to fathom apart from the enablement of the Holy Spirit.

Can you hear the grace in Polycarp’s voice as he blessed God for the privilege of dying a martyr?

That is complete joy, only experienced by those who trust in Jesus implicitly.

Complete joy that Jesus purchased for us at Calvary.

* * * * * * * * *

We marvel, Heavenly Father, in the extreme paradox that is the cross. Out of the evil unleashed upon your Son comes your holy, righteous goodness–upon us. Out of the horror of the crucifixion that Jesus endured comes inexpressible and glorious joy, to those who put their faith in him–not a temporary feeling of elation, but deep, abiding, abundant joy.

All praise to you, our loving, gracious God!

(Acts 3:13-16, 1 Peter 1:8, John 6:47, John 10:10)

(Reblogged from April 7, 2015. The Ruegg family has gathered this week for an overdue reunion. Art & photo credits: www.rejesus.co.uk; http://www.pinterest.com (2); http://www.wikimedia.org; http://www.heartlight.org.)

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Eating Live Frogs and Other Blessings

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Joy, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged God's Blessings, Gratitude, Gratitude list, Joy, Psalm 92:1, Psalm 92:2, Psalm 92:4 on March 30, 2017| 22 Comments »

While waiting for the coffee to brew Monday morning, I peeked out the kitchen curtains. To the east, a glowing red band rimmed the horizon. Slightly to the west, a clear, dark sky provided backdrop for a gleaming crescent moon.

Thank you, Father, I prayed, for prompting me to look out the window just now. Your handiwork never ceases to thrill me.

I wondered what further delights God might present as the day progressed? I decided to begin a list, just for the fun of seeing how many moments I could record. The glowing horizon and bright crescent moon became #1.

#2. A completed workout. Thank you, Lord, for helping me eat a live frog–yet again! (Yes, that’s a perfectly logical prayer for those who know what Mark Twain said: “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” For me, exercising is about as distasteful as eating a live frog!)

Moments later, as a bowl of oatmeal spun slow circles inside the microwave, I chose to window-gaze again. This time a squirrel caught my attention as he scampered along a treetop branch, then leapt across a wide chasm to the next tree.

How do squirrels jump like that without falling? Such astounding abilities you’ve given some of your creatures, Lord.

#3 became: A gravity-defying squirrel.

#4. Oatmeal—with cinnamon, berries, walnuts, and milk. Thank you, Father, for the endless combinations of ingredients we can put together to make our taste buds happy!

#5. Coffee. The most exquisite flavor to start the morning.

I was on a roll now as the praiseworthy moments continued:

#6. A dropped contact found.

#7. Sunshine pouring through the windows.

#8. The drive to our son’s house along the edge of Mount Airy Forest. Spring is in evidence: bright green undergrowth portends the imminent leafing of trees.

#9. Clear, rain-washed air–fresh and crisp. Just breathing is a supreme pleasure.

#10. Holding four-year old Elena’s soft little hand as we climb the stairs together.

#11. Snuggling two-month old Maarit on my shoulder while taking her on another slow, bouncy tour of the living/dining, and kitchen area. Her bright eyes seem to study every object, any sign of movement, every play of light.

#12. Reveling in Maarit’s smiles, each one a delightful surprise.

#13. Making her laugh for the first time.

#14. Watching Elena complete a 48-piece puzzle, with very little help.

#15. Catching one of Maarit’s smiles on camera–well, almost.

#16. Listening to a symphony of birds upon arrival home, as I walked from car to house.

#17. Soaking up the warmth of sunshine on the deck while reading my Bible and journaling a bit.

#18. Enjoying a refreshing salad, all the more delicious because Steve made it.

#19. Receiving blessing and challenge while reading posts from bloggers I follow. (See the list in the right column!)

#20. Resting with a pleasurable book.

* * * * * * * * * *

It may not be practical to record such moments every day, but I can see great benefit from keeping a list now and then.

It’s grateful eyes that get to see God’s goodness and glory everywhere–all day long.

(“It is good to praise the Lord…

…to proclaim your love in the morning

and your faithfulness at night…

…For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord,

I sing for joy at the works of your hands.”

–Psalm 92:1-2, 4)

What commonplace moment brings you uncommon joy? Please share in the comment section below!

(Art & photo credits: www.pixabay.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.farm7.staticflickr.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.wikimediacommons; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pinterest.com.)

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The One Exception to Contentment

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Intimacy with God, Joy, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged 1 Timothy 6:6, Happiness, perspective, Philippians 4:11, satisfaction in life on January 12, 2017| 27 Comments »

When I was a young girl, my family lived near Chicago in a three-bedroom, one bath home. One car parked in the driveway; there was no garage. My brother and I dreamed of owning an in-ground swimming pool but had to settle for the crowded, over-chlorinated conditions of the community pool.

If someone had told me, “Nancy, when you grow up you will get married, have three children, and live in Florida for forty years. Every home will have two bathrooms and a garage. You’ll eventually own two cars, too. But, best of all, three of your homes will have a swimming pool in the backyard.”

(Sometimes we enjoyed a bigger pool — the Gulf or Atlantic.)

I would have thought, Unbelievable! When all those heavenly things happen, then I’ll be happy and content.

Ah, but during those forty years in Florida I remember thinking on more than one occasion: If only this heat and humidity would let up. It’s like a furnace out there. Or, Why can’t these kids just get along with each other and give me some peace? Or, Houseguests are coming; gotta clean those bathrooms today. Ugh.

Contentment can be an elusive quality. No sooner do we possess one long-desired item, we discover another acquisition to wish for. No sooner have we achieved one level of success, we’re already reaching for the next—with a sideways glance at our neighbor who’s acquired or accomplished more than we have.

We know what scripture tells us: “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).

Our spirits sense the truth of it and recognize the gain to be had when craving, grasping, and unrest give way to peace of mind and tranquility of spirit.

But how?

Contentment is a choice of perspective. I can choose to affirm and celebrate my:

Possessions. I have more than enough.
Position. I have experienced more than enough.
Personhood. I am more than enough the way God made me, with my particular personality traits, gifts, and abilities.

Like Paul, I can learn to be content by choosing again and again the proper perspective (Philippians 4:11).

However.

There is one area where contentment is not desirable: in the spiritual realm. I never want to become content with what I already know about God or be satisfied with the current level of intimacy between my Heavenly Father and me.

I want to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus (2 Peter 3:18).

That’s an opportunity for a lifetime. Think of it: we never reach the end of his magnificence and influence. There is always greater knowledge to understand, more wonder to explore, more splendor and growth to experience.

* * * * * * * * * *

Lord, God, may I not look right or left at what others have, or what others have accomplished, or what gifts and talents they display. Keep me mindful of my utmost desire: to know you more intimately, follow you more closely, and live in the contentment of your sufficiency for everything.

Art & photo credits: www.ancestory.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.youtube.com; http://www.pinterest (2).

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As We Leave Christmas

Posted in Christmas, Joy, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged Christmas joy all year, Luke 2:20, post-Christmas depression on December 29, 2016| 12 Comments »

Christmas 2016 is now only a set of memories.

Mine include:

The first preschool performance of our granddaughter, Elena. Picture a stageful of two-to-four-year olds singing off-key with cherubic enthusiasm. Delightful.

Christmas Eve dinner with family in a lovely restaurant, and then an outstanding church concert afterwards.

A gathering of eight around the Christmas tree to open presents—seven family members and one adopted uncle (a friend of our son’s who could not get home for the weekend).

Now it’s time to finish up or freeze all the leftovers from holiday meals. Soon we’ll have to bring up the boxes from the basement and undecorate (the most deplorable of chores) while listening to Christmas carols one last time.

And as folks around the world put away the ornaments, wreaths, and fairy lights, many will put away their cheerfulness and good will. There will be fewer smiles and happy greetings, fewer kindnesses and generous gestures.

I don’t want to be one of those folks, melancholy as my spirit might be. I need a new attitude, as described by Charles Allen and Charles Wallis:

“Christmas need not be limited to only a day.

Christmas can become, as it was meant to be,

an attitude toward life that will continue

during all of the days that follow.”

–from Christmas, p. 51.

My new attitude could take inspiration from the shepherds who, after visiting the stable, returned to their flock glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen (Luke 2:20).

Surely their glorifying and praising was not just a temporary state. Of course, the intense euphoria lessened with time. It would be impossible to live with that level of excitement long-term. Who could eat or sleep?

But I can picture them, sitting around their campfire year after year, frequently reminiscing about that night. I can see their soft smiles, recalling how terrible fright had turned to gleeful joy. And I see the shaking of their heads in wonder, remembering that they were among the first to look into the face of the long-awaited Messiah. What an incredulous privilege. That kind of elation never grows old.

I have a feeling those shepherds were never the same after that night. Their families—even the village of Bethlehem—were impacted by the effervescent joy that overflowed from their lives.

After all, they had seen the Lord.

(Gerard von Honthorst painting, 1622)

I, too, have encountered him in my spirit. But when post-Christmas melancholy comes calling, my thoughts gravitate toward disappointment that the beauty, excitement, and wonder of the season is over.

I need to renew my mind by following the shepherds’ example:

Glorify God—for all his marvelous attributes
Praise God—for all I have heard from him and seen him do
Spread the word about Jesus—my merciful Savior and gracious Lord

As I pack up all the decorations, may my thoughts center on the joy Jesus provides—not just for the Christmas season but always. May I look forward with anticipation to the experiences God has planned for me and the growth he’ll achieve in me during the new year—even as I fondly look backward on the sweet memories of Christmas past.

May I begin to develop a Christmas attitude that will last the whole year through.

To that end, I’ve chosen several Christmas cards to tuck here and there around the house—as reminders to keep glorifying, praising, and spreading the word:

No need to wait until next year for Christmas joy after all.

(Art & photo credits: www.youtube.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.wikipedia.org; Nancy Ruegg (4).

P.S. For 2017, beginning next Thursday, January 5, I’ll be posting just once a week in order to allow time for other projects and for assisting our son and daughter-in-law when Baby Girl #2 arrives (sometime mid-January). I do hope you’ll still return each Thursday for a new post.

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A Christmas Psalm

Posted in Blessings, Christmas, God's Love, Joy, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Christmas worship on December 15, 2016| 11 Comments »

God of creation, Lord of the seasons,

I praise your artistry and celebrate your wonders:

The silver silence of snow on the landscape,

The regal stillness of frosted trees,

The distant chatter of birds wafting on winter breeze.

Your ethereal peace soaks into my spirit, O God.

Golden candle flames frolic, reflections dance,

Star lights on the Christmas tree twinkle and glow,

Memory-infused ornaments nestle in branches,

A jumble of gifts creates a crazy quilt of color,

Treasured carols knit one generation to another.

Your inexpressible joy fills my heart, O God.

O Savior, Emmanuel, you have come!

God with us. Ever-present and attentive–

The Incarnation of God who took on mortal form

And became our Guarantee of eternal life.

Human limitations cast off; transcendence accomplished.

Such infinite greatness confounds my thoughts, O God.

With the angels I long to sing of your glory—

With the shepherds I want to proclaim your glad news–

With Mary I long to ponder all these things,

To gaze upon your beauty, O Lord—

Your faithfulness and grace to those who believe.

Such profound perfections compel me to worship, O God.

Glory to you, God in the highest!

You, the Lord of lords, stooped down

To scoop lost lambs out of the chasm of sin.

You gladly provide the abundant life now,

And promise the splendor of heaven hereafter.

Your immeasurable love compels me to surrender, O God.

I will praise your name forever and ever–

For your ethereal peace and inexpressible joy,

Infinite greatness and profound perfections,

Incomparable grace and immeasurable love—

Gifted to us not just at Christmas

But for all eternity.

(Art & photo credits: www.publicdomainpictures.net; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.youtube.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.quotesgram.com; http://www.pinterest.com.)

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From the Inside Out

Impressions Becoming Expressions

Archive for the ‘Joy’ Category

Supreme Blessedness

Sing Allelujah, Cincinnati!

Wrapped in God’s Embrace

Springtime Joy

A Deep Sea of Joy

The Final Lesson

Eating Live Frogs and Other Blessings

The One Exception to Contentment

As We Leave Christmas

A Christmas Psalm

Nancy Ruegg

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